On Friday, April 29, Waterford High School hosted the 17th Annual “Jazz on the Sound” jazz festival. Twenty-one bands from Connecticut and Rhode Island performed.
The day started with the high school bands performing for each other and for two acclaimed judges. Each band received two judge tapes with comments, a professional recording of their performance, and a participation plaque.
Up to three students in each ensemble received “Outstanding Musician” awards for their performance. Overall awards were given for each instrumental section and to the overall outstanding soloist.
In the high school category, Torrington High School won “Best Overall Woodwinds” and “Best Overall Trombones.” Stonington High School won “Best Overall Trumpets.” Bacon Academy Blue Band (from Colchester, CT) won “Best Overall Rhythm Section.” The “Best Overall Soloist” award for high school bands went to Jesse Gardner from Robert E. Fitch High School.
The middle school awards followed with Timothy Edwards Middle School (from South Windsor, CT) winning “Best Overall Trumpets” and “Best Overall Rhythm Section.” Mystic Middle School won “Best Overall Trombones.” William J. Johnston Middle School (from Colchester, CT) won “Best Overall Woodwinds.” The “Best Overall Soloist” award for middle school bands went to Sam Gardner from Cutler Middle School, Groton, CT. Sam is the younger brother of high school soloist winner Jesse Gardner.
The Waterford High “Blue Knights” Jazz Ensemble performed in exhibition. The WHS Jazz Ensemble placed third at a national competition in Boston in March.